Stirred and Shaken

Three twentysomething bleached blonds in blue jeans share a giant sandwich at the bar, while the New York Giants eat the Philadelphia Eagles' lunch. First the subway series and now this. I order a Manhattan. At Champps Americana [1121 Uptown Park Boulevard, (713)627-2333], well-scrubbed white people gather to watch the NFL playoffs and college basketball games on the giant split-screen TVs. With its high ceilings, leather chairs and tasteful selection of art, this is one tony sports bar. The Philly cheese steak goes for $8.25!

Champps Americana's Manhattan: I like this whiskey cocktail on the rocks, but others prefer it shaken and strained into a stemmed glass. The original recipe calls for sweet vermouth, but you can use dry vermouth for a dry Manhattan or half dry and half sweet vermouth for a perfect one.